AGP Executive Report

World Cup Kickoff in Mexico City: FIFA’s biggest-ever tournament opened at Estadio Azteca with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining “Dai Dai,” while Mexico’s opener vs South Africa is playing out amid Protests and Social Tensions: teachers and other groups are using the global spotlight to press demands, adding friction to the celebrations. U.S.-Cuba Pressure: Washington sanctioned Cuba’s state oil firm CUPET, escalating an energy squeeze that the UN says is harming children and worsening shortages, as Cuba also reports a record number of political prisoners. Venezuela Energy Rules: The U.S. revised key OFAC licenses for Venezuela’s oil and gas sector, updating how foreign contracts and disputes can be handled without fully lifting sanctions. EU-Brazil Tech Deal: The EU and Brazil are signing a digital partnership to reduce reliance on U.S. tech, covering data, connectivity, cybersecurity, and protections for minors. Brazil Conservation vs. Rail Expansion: Brazil’s Supreme Court cleared steps for the Ferrogrão grain railway by reducing protected land in Jamanxim National Park, reigniting fights over Indigenous territories and biodiversity. Trade Uncertainty: Trump signaled USMCA with Mexico and Canada could expire, injecting fresh uncertainty into North American talks.

World Cup Politics in Mexico City: As FIFA’s 2026 kickoff hits Mexico Thursday, celebrations are colliding with unrest: teachers’ union roadblocks and clashes near fan zones are raising fears the capital’s opening-night image won’t match reality. U.S.-Mexico Trade Uncertainty: President Trump says he may not renew the USMCA, warning Mexico and Canada “need everything” the U.S. has—adding pressure right as the tournament draws global attention. Peru’s Gaza Choice: Peru’s razor-thin runoff is set to shape Latin America’s diplomacy on Israel-Palestine, with Roberto Sánchez leaning pro-Palestine and Keiko Fujimori expected to take a security-first, pro-Israel line. Colombia Ends FGM: Colombia’s Senate approved a landmark law banning female genital mutilation, making it the first in Latin America to outlaw the practice. Cuba Fuel Deal Meets Sanctions Backlash: The U.S. authorized a major diesel and gasoline shipment to Cuba, but the UN says the blockade is killing children—while Washington defends its sanctions. Venezuela Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Troops were deployed to target armed groups in the gold belt, as the government pushes to revive investment in mining.

World Cup & Politics: Mexico City is suspending schools and pushing federal workers to telework for the June 11 opener, as protests by teachers and other groups keep security and traffic in the spotlight. US–Mexico Border & Trade: The U.S. says the southern border wall is on track for completion by late 2027, while Trump signals he may not renew CUSMA/USMCA—setting up fresh fights over autos and agriculture. Mexico’s Digital Push: Clip and Ant International, with Mastercard and Televisa-Univision, launched Mi Clip, a digital wallet aimed at expanding cash-heavy financial inclusion. Cuba Under Pressure: UN and international lawyers are condemning U.S. sanctions and war threats as Cuba faces fuel shortages; meanwhile U.S. Defense chief Hegseth warned Cuba against buying weapons that could reach Guantanamo. Colombia Runoff: Leftist Ivan Cepeda says he’ll accept the vote result but urges peaceful protest if rights aren’t upheld, as the June 21 runoff looms. Brazil Election Watch: A poll shows Lula widening his lead over Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of October’s presidential race. Argentina Currency: The peso’s slide is accelerating, with investors growing more risk-averse. Tech & Energy: Voltalia secured 322MW grid capacity in Ceará, Brazil, to power data centers.

World Cup Politics & Security: As Mexico, Canada and the U.S. gear up for the 2026 opener, officials are selling “seamless” cooperation and safety plans, but critics warn the tournament is being used for political branding and controversy. Chile Fiscal U-Turn: Chile’s right-wing government backed away from its zero-deficit promise after protests over spending cuts and ended fuel subsidies, pushing unrest in Santiago. Cuba Energy Collapse: Cuba’s worst power crisis in decades is squeezing daily life, with blackouts, fuel shortages and UN warnings that sanctions are driving child deaths. Cuba Tourism Dries Up: Reuters reports foreign visitors have thinned sharply, with major sites in Havana and resorts largely quiet as major hotel chains scale back under U.S. pressure. Colombia Election Shock: Petro’s “Heil Hitler” post has triggered international backlash and deepened tensions ahead of the presidential runoff. Argentina Peronism Split: A year after Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s conviction, talk of a possible pardon is dividing Peronism ahead of 2027. Business & Trade Signals: Japan’s Asics plans to spin off Onitsuka Tiger; in the region, CUSMA/AI infrastructure debates are turning trade talks into a power-and-minerals strategy question.

Peru Runoff Tightens: Peru’s election authority says the presidential result could take up to two weeks, with 96% of ballots counted and Roberto Sánchez leading Keiko Fujimori by under 20,000 votes—leaving the country’s ninth president-in-a-decade still up in the air. Bolivia Unrest: Bolivia’s new defense minister says the state response to blockades will be strictly legal, with the armed forces acting “with serenity,” as protests and roadblocks continue after emergency powers were expanded. Cuba-US Tensions: Cuba’s top envoy to Washington calls Trump’s sanctions on Cuban leaders a “pretext” for military action, warning of a “war without bombs” and promising resistance. Trade & Markets: The US trade deficit narrowed in April as exports hit a record high, though analysts warn some gains are tied to higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict. Argentina Retail Boom: Global fashion and luxury brands are returning to Argentina, pushing mall operators to expand capacity as import rules loosen. World Cup Logistics: Mexico City orders remote work and suspends classes for June 11’s opener to ease traffic for the FIFA World Cup.

Colombia Politics: A coalition of 24 lawmakers across Latin America condemned President Gustavo Petro’s “Heil Hitler” response to a column, saying Nazi-linked phrases have no place in democratic debate and warning Petro has repeatedly used similar references. Peru Election: Peru’s presidential runoff remains razor-thin as rural ballots keep arriving; Roberto Sánchez holds a narrow lead over Keiko Fujimori while counting continues. Bolivia Crackdown: Bolivia’s legislature approved a law expanding the president’s ability to use troops against protesters amid weeks of unrest over fuel subsidies, inflation, and road blockades. Cuba Crisis: Cuba received a 1,700-ton donation of basic goods from Mexico and Belize as shortages deepen, while separate reports claim Havana is preparing for possible U.S. action. World Cup & Society: Mexico’s World Cup opening faces teacher-led protest threats, and Canada’s growing Latin American community is gearing up for the tournament. Chile Mining: Antofagasta plans a $909m extension of the Zaldivar copper mine to 2051, including a wastewater reuse system. Regional Shocks: A 6.1 quake off Cuba rattled parts of Cuba, Mexico, and Florida, with no major damage reported.

Peru Election: Peru’s presidential runoff remains a near dead heat, with Roberto Sánchez edging Keiko Fujimori as counting nears completion, and officials warning final results could take weeks—another sign of deep polarization after nine elections in 10 years. Cuba-U.S. Tensions: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel renewed accusations that the U.S. is pursuing “maximum pressure” to spark unrest, citing sanctions’ impact amid fuel and electricity shortages. Bolivia Protests: Bolivia’s embattled president signaled a move toward a state of emergency, blaming “narcoterrorists” for unrest and roadblocks that have disrupted daily life. Venezuela Politics & Economy: PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello denied any political persecution and highlighted Delcy Rodríguez’s international push to expand production and exports. Global Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. proposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting Mexico and other economies, while North America trade faces added uncertainty. Earthquake: A 6.1 quake near Cuba was felt across southern Florida. Business/Industry: Mexico awarded 7.4 GW of renewables in its first mixed investment tender, boosting solar-heavy projects.

Peru Election: Peru’s presidential runoff is still too close to call as a quick count by Ipsos puts Roberto Sánchez slightly ahead (50.3% vs 49.7% for Keiko Fujimori), while partial official tallies favor Fujimori—leaving the winner uncertain for days or weeks amid a slow count in rural Andean areas. Cuba Fuel Crisis: Cuba’s iconic “almendrones” are going idle as a worsening fuel shortage drags on since January; drivers wait in a reservation app queue for tiny gasoline allotments, while the broader economic squeeze deepens. World Cup Visa Row: Iran’s team reached Mexico’s Tijuana base camp for World Cup preparations, but Tehran says some support staff were denied US visas, escalating a dispute over access and “obstructionism.” Argentina LNG Deal: Adani Ports won a 10-year marine services contract tied to Argentina’s first LNG export project, with a reported $70 million investment backing tug and offshore logistics. Chile Mining ESG: Codelco’s El Teniente secured dual Copper Mark and Molybdenum Mark certifications through 2029, highlighting tighter ESG scrutiny in copper supply chains.

Cuba Under Sanctions Pressure: Canada’s Air Canada, Air Transat and WestJet, plus Sunwing, have suspended Cuba flights and packages indefinitely as Washington’s deadline to cut ties with GAESA-linked entities expires, while foreign firms keep pulling back and Cuba’s payment systems face disruption. Bolivia Crackdown: Bolivia’s legislature approved a law letting President Rodrigo Paz deploy the military to clear roadblocks, after weeks of clashes and blockades that have fueled food and medicine shortages. Peru Runoff Vote: Peru opened voting for a tight presidential runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, with reports of missing materials and alleged ballot irregularities under heightened scrutiny. Venezuela-Guyana Tensions: Venezuela rejected Guyana’s comments on a possible ICJ ruling over Essequibo and said it won’t recognize any decision, insisting the dispute must be handled through the 1966 Geneva Agreement. World Cup Politics and Logistics: Iran’s squad landed in Mexico’s Tijuana amid a US visa dispute affecting some support staff, while Brazil made a late World Cup roster change after Wesley’s injury, calling up Éderson. Aviation Shock to Latin America: IATA warned airline profits will plunge as fuel costs rise and geopolitical shocks hit demand.

Peru Runoff: Peruvians vote Sunday to pick a new president for the 2026–2031 term in a tight race between Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sánchez, with voters focused on crime, corruption fatigue, and whether a close result could deepen instability. Argentina Trade Push: Argentina has filed to join the CPTPP, aiming to link up with a major Pacific trade bloc that also includes the UK—an effort tied to President Javier Milei’s trade-opening agenda. World Cup Politics Meets Diplomacy: Iran’s squad is heading to Mexico for World Cup 2026 amid a US visa dispute that left some support staff stranded, underscoring how geopolitics is spilling into the tournament. Brazil Security Shock: The US designates Brazil’s Comando Vermelho and PCC as terrorist organizations, raising new compliance and business risk across Latin America’s largest economy. Peru Energy Crisis: Peru’s power failure is threatening a major share of global silver output as electricity costs spike and mining faces rationing risk. Mexico Fan Culture: Mexico City is trying to set a Guinness record for “The Wave” ahead of the World Cup, betting on football as a mass celebration.

Bolivia Crisis: Police and anti-government protesters clashed in Santa Cruz as authorities tried to clear road blockades demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, worsening food and medicine shortages. Peru Election: With Peru’s presidential runoff Sunday, leftist Roberto Sanchez urged “respectful” ties with Donald Trump while rightist Keiko Fujimori seeks stability amid deep security and economic worries. Colombia Politics: Supporters of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella rallied in Bogotá to defend the right to wear the national team jersey, as the campaign turns on a June 21 runoff. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s foreign minister accused Washington of trying to sell aggression as a “solution,” pointing to sanctions, legal pressure and military moves. Venezuela Diplomacy: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited India, signaling deeper energy and economic alignment. Trade & Logistics: IATA expanded cargo services in Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay, including Mexico’s domestic air-cargo rollout and new billing tools. Public Health: New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas, raising alarms for livestock and pet prevention.

Cuba Crisis: Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned new U.S. threats and expanded sanctions, while Havana rejected claims that Washington doesn’t block oil shipments—pointing to punitive tariffs that deter third countries from supplying fuel. Tourism Hit: Spanish Meliá says it will stop managing 15 of its 34 Cuban hotels, and Cuba moved to offer hotel management to Cuban investors at home and abroad as chains pull back. Humanitarian Response: Colombia sent about 100 tons of aid to Cuba, including medicines, food, electrical materials and solar panels, citing the island’s energy and infrastructure strain. Venezuela-Russia Trade: Venezuela and Russia agreed a development roadmap through 2030 at SPIEF, targeting $400M in trade and focusing on sectors like cocoa, coffee and seafood. Colombia Justice: Colombia’s Supreme Court upheld a 28-year sentence for Santiago Uribe, tied to paramilitary violence. Peru Politics & Copper: Peru’s runoff pits Keiko Fujimori against Roberto Sánchez amid deep distrust, while Peru’s copper output rose 15% in early 2026 on ramp-ups at major mines. Baja California Economy: Baja California agriculture topped 23 billion pesos (~$1.1B) and supports 120,000 jobs as officials launched a campaign to boost local consumption.

Gig Economy Politics in Brazil: Delivery riders in Rio are turning precarious work into a political force, protesting proposed platform rules over too-low trip pay as October’s presidential race nears. Cuba Sanctions Shock Tourism and Finance: Sunwing and WestJet indefinitely suspend Cuba flights amid the island’s fuel crisis and wider economic squeeze, while the U.S. tightens pressure on President Díaz-Canel and China calls the blockade “invented and groundless.” Cuba’s Cancer Supply: Cuba restarts cytostatic drug production at AICA Laboratories to support the national cancer program despite the blockade. Colombia Campaign Fallout: Shakira denies backing either presidential candidate and demands her image not be used in election materials. World Cup Economics and Costs: Some superfans say ticket prices, travel costs, and U.S. entry concerns are keeping them away. Argentina Culture Loss: Carlos “Indio” Solari, frontman of Los Redonditos de Ricota, dies at 77. Mexico City Food Culture: A guide to how the city’s street-food rhythm shapes what visitors eat and when. Trade Uncertainty: Businesses warn they’re “desperately in search of certainty” as USMCA renewal talks loom and tariffs threaten.

Cuba Under New Pressure: The U.S. escalated sanctions and intervention threats as Cuba said it will lose Visa and Mastercard processing from June 6, tightening an already worsening economic squeeze. Cuba’s Political Narrative: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a transition could be negotiated with “technocrats” inside the regime, without naming anyone. Colombia Runoff Politics: Ivan Cepeda criticized Trump’s endorsement of Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the June 21 runoff, while election authorities confirmed the first-round result and the campaign race shifts to courting supporters. Ecuador Governance Shake-Up: President Daniel Noboa merged eight ministries and secretariats into three portfolios, cutting the total number of ministries as a second restructuring in under a year. Mexico Cultural Identity: Mexico inaugurated “Tepito on the Field,” pairing neighborhood soccer and music to celebrate Tepito’s cultural roots ahead of the World Cup. Mexico Heritage Protection: Mexico demanded an auction halt in Colorado after INAH flagged 80 Mexican-origin archaeological pieces. Venezuela-India Energy Push: India’s acting president visit talks centered on long-term energy cooperation, with both sides also discussing mining and broader economic ties. Brazil Sustainability Trade: China agreed to buy deforestation-free Brazilian beef, signaling demand for traceable, forest-friendly supply chains. Regional Security Cooperation: Germany and Mexico agreed to deepen anti-organized-crime coordination in their first binational commission talks in seven years.

Peru Runoff Politics: Conservative Keiko Fujimori heads into Sunday’s runoff against Roberto Sanchez, leaning on a tough-on-crime message as voters weigh her polarizing Fujimori legacy amid rising insecurity. Colombia Governance: President Gustavo Petro suspended the signature drive for a National Constituent Assembly, signaling a shift toward electoral consensus as the June 21 runoff looms. Mexico Border Rules: Mexico has updated entry procedures, tightening documentation requirements for certain flight operations and changing how approvals are handled. World Cup Border Crunch: A new look at travel logistics warns that visa rules and limited expedited appointments could complicate Latin American fan attendance for the 2026 tournament. Chile Copyright Fight: A Santiago court ordered Amazon Prime Video to pay about $7.3 million in royalties to Chilean performers for streaming without proper compensation. Cuba Sanctions Pressure: Cuba faces intensified U.S. measures, with regional lawmakers warning of dangerous escalation as sanctions deepen shortages and economic strain. Venezuela-India Energy Push: Delcy Rodriguez’s India visit spotlights expanded cooperation, especially energy and trade, as both sides seek new momentum. U.S.-Mexico Tensions: AMLO accused U.S. officials of plotting to weaken Morena, escalating a dispute tied to investigations of Mexican governors. Agriculture Alert: The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, reviving fears for livestock and cross-border biosecurity.

Bolivia Crisis: President Rodrigo Paz’s government pushed a state of exception bill that would let the military and police intervene directly in protests, triggering backlash from peasant groups and unions as demonstrations demanding his resignation continue. Argentina Gender Violence: “Ni Una Menos” marked 11 years with nationwide marches, renewing demands for stronger state protection against femicide and faster, gender-sensitive justice—especially around economic violence like unpaid child support. Colombia Election Fallout: Colombia’s electoral authority says first-round scrutiny is complete and fraud claims were under 0.7%, as President Gustavo Petro continues to dispute results and challenges the integrity of the vote’s digital systems. US–Cuba Pressure: Cuba’s Raul Castro turned 95 amid renewed U.S. sanctions and legal pressure, while Washington’s Marco Rubio said “technocrats” inside Cuba could be part of any negotiation. Venezuela–India Talks: Acting President Delcy Rodriguez met India’s leaders in New Delhi, with energy, trade, healthcare and renewables on the agenda. Mexico–US Politics: Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador attacked Washington for “interventionist” tactics, backing Claudia Sheinbaum as tensions with the U.S. deepen. World Cup Economy: Mexico’s World Cup build-up is already driving local business planning and watch-party activations, from Mexico City to U.S. host cities.